Kirkland Reporter intern trades textbook for journalism experience

My name is Eleanor Mueller and I am a senior at Lake Washington High School here in Kirkland. I’m one out of 338 of my classmates working to graduate in June – a requirement for which is 60 hours towards a culminating project. Having been yearbook editor for two years now, I knew right away I wanted to do something regarding journalism, and it was for this reason that I chose to work as an intern for the Kirkland Reporter. However, this experience means much more to me than just schoolwork.

Ever since elementary school, I’ve loved to read and write. A frequently-told story by my parents is how in first grade, I would even read newly checked-out library books while walking home from school (how I had friends remains a mystery).

It wasn’t until my junior year at Lake Washington, however, that everything clicked, and I realized the way in which I wanted to spend the rest of my life. It was that fall that I joined yearbook and became co-editors with a then-senior, Sky Frost, who by the end of the year had not only become one of my best friends, but helped me finally discover my passion for journalism.

Now a senior myself, I’m not only enjoying my second year on yearbook, but have also applied to many journalism schools across the country (USC, Northwestern, and University of Missouri, to name a few). While I won’t hear back from any until the end of the month, I want to thank the Kirkland Reporter for allowing me to follow my dreams now, without even having graduated from high school – and invite all of you to provide feedback on whatever articles I write.

This is without a doubt a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity granted, not just by the Reporter, but you, by supporting it! Thank you.

Reporter intern Eleanor Mueller is a Lake Washington High School senior. Contact her with questions and comments at emueller@kirklandreporter.com.

We encourage an open exchange of ideas on this story's topic, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. Personal attacks, inappropriate language, and off-topic comments may be removed, and comment privileges revoked, per our Terms of Use. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.